Summary

• The 2010s paved the way for exceptional anime films; the 2020s have already produced productions of the highest standard.
• New films are characterized by a high visual and emotional narrative standard that captivates fans and brings profits to the studios.
• With a mix of established hits and fresh narratives, the decade promises to captivate audiences with imaginative, moving cinema.

Anime Films reached new heights in popularity, consistent quality and reach in the 2010s. Films like A silent voice And Your name gave the medium widespread mainstream appeal around the world, while Studio Ghibli’s few but masterful works set a standard that inspired other filmmakers to improve their work.

Although not even half of the decade has passed, The 2020s continued to produce films of the highest quality, already boasting an impressive selection of anime films.

While there has been no film outside the Shōnen target audience that has penetrated pop culture in the West as much as in the last decade Your namewhat has been published so far follows that Trend towards highly cinematic, incredibly drawn and animated, compactly packaged stories with a typically longer running time. The highly profitable films of the 2010s also seem to have made larger studios more comfortable producing films as alternatives to seasonal TV anime series, as can be seen in larger IPs such as Demon Slayer, Jujutsu KaisenAnd Dragon BallDue to these factors, numerous films worth seeing have already been released in the 2020s.

10 Maboroshi (2023)

Produced by MAPPA

Maboroshi is a science fiction fantasy film about high school students Masamune and Mustumi after an explosion at a steel mill in their town stops time and traps the citizens in an endless winter. With excellent visuals, as you would expect from MAPPA, the film tells an emotional story about familial love.

Although it does not contribute anything groundbreaking to the medium of animation, Maboroshi is a product of the Makoto Shinkai school of storytelling; Natural disasters serve as the backdrop for tragic but ultimately atmospheric films. With a running time of just under two hours, the film offers a tightly packed, heartwarming experience.

9 A Whisker Away (2020)

Produced by Studio Colorido, Toho Animation, Twin Engine

A coming-of-age film with a good portion of cats, Just a stone’s throw away tells the story of Miyo Sasaki, a 14-year-old girl who can transform into a cat with the help of a magical mask. The film, which premiered on Netflix rather than in a typical theatrical release, received positive reviews but remained somewhat under the radar of audiences. Despite its initial success, Just a stone’s throw away is carefree, pleasant fun through and through. The film features romance, fantasy, and even comedy that come across in ways other anime fail to. With a soft art style that complements its themes, the film earns its place among the best of the decade so far.

8 Belle (2021)

Produced by Studio Chizu

beauty is a visual delight, as you would expect from Studio Chizu, and is also perhaps the strangest adaptation of Beauty and the Beast ever made. Set in an unknown time that resembles the present, high school student Suzu embarks on a journey of self-discovery through virtual reality. The film starts slowly and later picks up speed quickly as it moves into its more musical, virtual sequences.

Although it is an unusual interpretation of a classic story, beauty is an emotionally charged, satisfying viewing experience that never drifts too far into the bizarre to lose sight of itself. During the final sequences, the film’s strong characterization makes Suzu’s eventual recovery of her voice an exceptionally moving sequence. With music that matches the high quality of the images, beauty is one of Studio Chizu’s best works.

7 Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

Produced by Toei Animation

After the success of 2019 Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Superhero presents itself as both a return to the roots of the franchise and a step in a completely new direction. Gohan and Piccolo, both long relegated to supporting roles, reclaim the spotlight with their victory over the monstrous Cell Max. The film uses primarily CGI for its visual effects, a first for the franchise, and an unconventional, risky decision that is ultimately executed almost perfectly.

A largely cheerful tone is maintained throughout the entire running time. Superhero is able to capture all the magical mood of Dragon Ball without losing the action it is known for. The film’s critical and box office success proves that the franchise still has something in the tank even without Goku and Vegeta at the helm.

6 The first Slam Dunk (2022)

Produced by Toei Animation and DandeLion Animation

Slam DunkThe original author, Takehiko Inoue, made his directorial debut with The first slam dunkan adaptation of the final story arc of his own manga series. The film abandons much of the comedy of the original series and instead has a more mature, intense and dramatic tone.. The anime’s original flashback sequences focus primarily on Ryota Miyagi and are interspersed between scenes of fast-paced basketball action.

The combination of traditional 2D and 3DCG animation results in a distinctive visual style that The first slam dunk can use his advantage during the fast-paced basketball sequences. The fluid movements of the characters make for some of the most realistic animation this medium has probably ever seen. The first slam dunk is an emotional rollercoaster ride that offers something new to both newcomers and longtime fans of the series, while also featuring some of the best anime visuals of the decade.

5 Demon Slayer: The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)

Produced by Ufotable

Mugen Train is not only the highest-grossing anime film of the 2020s, but the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. Its huge success has also prompted other major studios to adapt parts of their own popular series into films, such as Jujutsu Kaisen 0and the upcoming Attack on Titan And Chainsaw Man Movies. A part of the manga, which only includes a few chapters, Ufotable used the abundant time and space to create what is probably the most compact entry into the franchise.

In contrast to future Demon Slayer Seasons or films, Mugen Train never sacrifices narrative for flashy animation or fight scenes, although the film does feature one of the better-looking battles in the series. Rengoku’s story is poignant and leaves a lasting impression on both casual and hardcore fans of the series.. It turned out to be the highlight of the series, Mugen Train Is Demon Slayer of the very finest.

4 Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020)

Produced by Kyoto Animation

Violet Evergarden: The Movie was the triumphant return of Kyoto Animation after the devastating arson attack on one of its headquarters in 2019 and marks the conclusion of the Violet Evergarden TV anime. Known for their visual prowess in mainly slice-of-life stories, the film is probably Kyoto Animation’s best work to dateAt the beginning of the series, Violet, a former super soldier, sets out to find out what the phrase “I love you” means, which she heard from her supervisor and superior in the army, Gilbert.

When Violet learns that he is alive, she boards a ship to find him. The film is an emotionally stirring, tear-jerking experience that ends with a much-needed happy ending.. After the release of one of the best films of the 2010s with A silent voice, Violet Evergarden: The Movie is another Kyoto animation film that is among the best of its decade.

3 The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Produced by Studio Ghibli

2013 The wind rises, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it was described as his last film and served as an allegory for the director’s own creative experiences. Ten years later, however, he returned with The Boy and the Herona film that delves even deeper into Miyazaki’s life. What the film sometimes lacks in coherent narrative is largely made up for by stunning visuals and another masterful soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi.

Unlike Miyazaki’s films of the past, the director’s own pessimism, usually set aside in favor of a more hopeful narrative, often seeps into The Boy and the Heron, The result is one of Studio Ghibli’s darkest filmsRegardless, the film is an emotionally charged, thoughtful look back at the life of a man who struggled endlessly with his own creativity. Although he no longer churns out one classic after another, The Boy and the Heron is another excellent addition to Studio Ghibli’s catalog.

2 Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice (2021)

Produced by Studio Khara

Evangelion3.0+1.0 carries the burden of being the final farewell to one of the most popular anime series of all time. And after a largely difficult development, partly due to the mental health issues of creator Hideaki Anno, the film was released nine years after it was first announced. Despite all the difficulties in production 3.0+1.0, The finished product finally fulfills its promise to be a worthy farewell to Evangelion.

Following Shinji’s development from despondent pilot to determined hero offers an emotional catharsis not achieved in any other installment in the series. The ending is fitting, as Hideaki Anno himself, like Shinji, is freed from the shackles Evangelion. Constant recalls and a climax that rivals that of 1997 The end of Evangelion, 3.0+1.0 masters the seemingly impossible task of completing the franchise with masterful execution.

1 Suzume (2022)

Produced by CoMix Wave Films

Suzume is the epitome of a Makoto Shinkai film. Even if it does not reach the emotional heights of his masterpiece, Your name, The film presents itself as a perfectly executed masterpiece in all the usual tropes of the director. The main characters Suzume and Souta are tasked with preventing natural disasters while building a relationship, all in an attempt to return Souta to his original body.

Romance embedded in supernatural events in a setting that alternates between rural Japan and Tokyo – all the prerequisites for another Shinkai classic are met. Even more impressive is that the film succeeds in making one of its protagonists appear as a chair for most of the running time. Although stranger than the director’s previous works, Suzume still offers an extremely rewarding viewing experience, making it the best anime film of the 2020s so far.